How to pronounce dictatorship
Say it like dik-TAY-ter-ship. Dictatorship has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce dictatorship. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dik
- TAY
- ter
- ship
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dictatorship pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- TAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- shipGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of dictatorship
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: dik-TAY-tuh-ship.
What does dictatorship mean?
- a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)
Where does dictatorship come from?
From dictator + -ship.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying dictatorship
How do you pronounce dictatorship?
Say dik-TAY-ter-ship. The American pronunciation is /dɪkˈteɪtɚˌʃɪp/. In British English it is /dɪkˈteɪtəʃɪp/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dictatorship?
Dictatorship has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TAY). Broken into parts: dik · TAY · ter · ship.
Is dictatorship pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /dɪkˈteɪtəʃɪp/ (dik-TAY-tuh-ship).